READ MORE FROM YAHOO

Matharu fled to another address in an attempt to evade officers. He was arrested at a house in Purfleet later that afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, driving whilst disqualified and aggravated taking without consent at Basildon Crown Court earlier this year.

He was sentenced to four years and one month in prison and was disqualified from driving for a further seven years.

Following the sentencing, Mr Alexandru’s family spoke of his death leaving a “great void” in their lives.

Collision: Matharu made off from the scene with significant damage to his car, including to the windscreen and one of the headlights. (Essex Police)

Speaking on behalf of the family, his niece Cristina said: “When we found out about my uncle’s death we were in complete shock and pain. Such pain never goes away, but rather it is something you get used to.

“The death of my uncle has brought pain, confusion, and a lot of stress. Half of the family is living in Germany, and the other half is in Romania.

“No matter how Matharu is punished, it will not change things for us.

“But I hope it will make a difference for him as a person – that he will repent and he will understand what he did. Life is not a joke or a game, let alone careless driving.”